BHS track appears golden

Wednesday

Feb 28, 2018 at 6:40 AMFeb 28, 2018 at 9:42 AM

By Mike Tupa mtupa@examiner-enterprise.com

By Mike Tupa

mtupa@examiner-enterprise.com

Serendipity.

That word accurately describes the combination of Bartlesville High School’s first varsity home track meet in more than a dozen years and spectacle of watching some of the greatest-ever athletes compete in Bruin Blue & White.

The historic competition — known as the Tate Boys Tire Track Invitational — at Custer Stadium is set for March 9.

It’s only fitting that history-making Lady Bruin senior Rilee Rigdon will finally be able to compete in her home digs.

The long distance runner already owns multiple school records — and is likely to set a couple more this season.

Who knows?

Perhaps on March 9 she’ll challenges for one-or-more new marks.

“She has been an amazing runner,” said veteran Bartlesville High head track coach Bon Bennett, who has seen more than one legend blossom during his stints as either an assistant coach or head coach. “I think she’s poised to have another championship year. It’s going to be hard to see her leave.”

Bennett also sips bittersweet emotions out of the cup of reality with the thought that three other Lady Bruin senior stalwarts — Sarah Covell, Paige Sauer and Madi Taylor — will be making their final go-round with the program.

Covell distinguished herself the past few years as a gritty and talent hurdler. She’ll also run some relay races this season.

“Having her participate is so helpful,” Bennett said. “She’s an all-around athlete and a good person,” including a National Merit scholar.

Sauer “is a powerful girl who has only gotten better on the pole vault,” said Bennett. “She has set three or four school records . She is so steady and so dedicated.”

Taylor has been a quiet dynamo on the track, particularly in relay running. Last year, she was part of Bartlesville’s girls’ 4x800 state championship foursome.

Bennett said going into the season, he envisions Rigdon, Liza Williams and Jillian Skalicky rounding out this year’s 4x800 crew.

On the boys’ side, Bennett predicted top-notch performances from several Bruins.

Distance harriers Nathan Lauritsen and James Martinez should continue to be among the top three in the state, he noted.

He also foresaw some major contributions by long-haul pacers, Caleb Eiden and junior Tyler Linthacum.

But, the Bruins also could make some noise in the sprint events, with Alex Merrifield and Sam Martin.

“They have really worked hard through the years,” said Bennett, adding Merrifield is on his way to run track in college.

Martin “has really gotten faster,” Bennett added. “I think this year he is going to medal quite a bit.”

An unexpected gift that fell in mix is Colton Williams, who has signed a football scholarship with Drake University.

“He’ll probably run on our relay sprint teams and he’s a remarkable long jumper,” said Bennett. “He’s such a fantastic athlete.”

Pole vaulter Zach Robertson “has developed into such a strong, athletic young man,” Bennett continued with his appraisals. “

Returning high jumper David Kelley emerged on the season with a blast of success last season, including placing second (6-foot-6) in the Class 6A state meet.

“I think he’ll have a great year,” Bennett said about Kelley, who is just a few inches away from A.J. Parker’s school record of 6-10. “I’m hoping David will get some looks and offers from colleges.”

The team bolts into action on Friday for the season-opening meet at Owasso.

The home meet on March 9 — set for 10 a.m. through 4 p.m. — will feature 13 teams, including Bixby, Claremore, Collinsville, Ponca City, Sapulpa, Lincoln Christian, Stillwater and others.

A handful of state’s top athletes, including a 16-foot pole vaulter from Bixby, a Gatorade Male Runner of the Year from Lincoln Christian and a Bixby girl that is the fastest sprinter in Oklahoma, are slated to participate.

“It will be very competitive,” said Bennett. “It should be fun to watch.”

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